Saramago's last novel retells and questions stories from the Hebrew Bible through the figure of Cain, who killed his brother Abel and was condemned to wander. Here Cain travels through different biblical times and places, meeting figures such as Abraham, Noah and Lilith, and challenging the justice of God as he goes. Short, ironic and provocative, the book continues the author's lifelong questioning of religion and divine authority, and drew controversy for its irreverence.